Naval and air units from the Philippines and the United States completed their third bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the waters off Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) from May 26 to 30, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday.
The five-day exercise involved units from the AFP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime coordination in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine assets included the guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15), a naval AW-109 helicopter, FA-50 fighter jets, and a W-3A “Sokol” helicopter. The PCG also deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).
On the US side, participating units included the Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) and an MH-65 helicopter.
Throughout the exercise, participating forces conducted search and rescue operations, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drills, maritime law enforcement training, helicopter deck landing qualifications, vertical replenishment operations, and communications exercises.
“The successful conduct of the recent MCA reflects the enduring commitment of the Philippines and the United States to deepen defense cooperation, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and uphold a rules-based international order,” the AFP said.
The AFP said the latest activity builds on earlier joint maritime exercises held in January and March, underscoring continued allied engagement in the disputed waters.
